Filipina accused of voting in two U.S. elections as a non-citizen

A Filipina living on Maui is facing federal charges after authorities accused her of voting in two U.S. federal elections despite allegedly knowing that she was not an American citizen.

Federal prosecutors announced that Remedios Alasaas, 66, of Kahului, Maui, was charged by Information on June 1 with unlawfully voting as an alien.

According to court records, Alasaas entered the United States in or around 2014 on an immigrant visa and registered to vote shortly thereafter. Prosecutors allege that she cast ballots in the Nov. 8, 2022 general election and the Aug. 10, 2024 primary election while knowing that she was not a U.S. citizen.

Authorities said the case is part of ongoing efforts to safeguard the integrity of federal elections.

"The right of the people to vote in federal elections belongs solely to American citizens," U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson said in a statement.

Sorenson said non-citizens who vote in federal elections undermine public confidence in the democratic process and vowed that his office would continue to investigate and prosecute election-related offenses.

FBI Honolulu Special Agent in Charge David Porter said the right to vote is a cornerstone of American democracy and that the bureau remains committed to protecting the integrity of elections.

"The FBI will continue its work to ensure the integrity of our elections and hold accountable anyone who undermines the fairness of our democracy by engaging in voter fraud," Porter said.

If convicted, Alasaas faces up to one year in prison on each charge, a term of supervised release, and a fine of up to $100,000.

Federal authorities emphasized that the charges are allegations only and that Alasaas is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.

The FBI is investigating the case.